October 8 - Noble Purposes

Today's Reading:
Exodus 28:1-43
Luke 20:1-26
Psalm 24:1-10 
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Focus Verses:
Exodus 28:36-41
36 "Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron's forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD. 39 "Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and headbands for Aaron's sons, to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

Insight:
All the details and elements of the Tabernacle—its accouterments, its furnishings, and the priests—were set aside for a special purpose. These things and these people were consecrated for serving God. Every aspect of Israel's religious practice was intended to emphasize the holiness, uniqueness, and majesty of God.

The objects, the garments, the rituals, and the priests were dedicated to one purpose—the worship of God. Once consecrated to God, they were not to be used for anything else. They belonged to their Holy God and were exclusively committed to his holy purposes.

Response and Action:
I want all the details of my life to be devoted to honoring and serving God. My choices, my lifestyle, my mouth, my attitudes, my work, my relationships, my hopes, and my plans should be consecrated to his holy purpose for me.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead me, teach me, transform me, shape me, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to you. Through Christ, Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 
2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart
by Dallas Willard